Most of us assume that inversions are for those that do handstands easily or balance in a headstand for longer than two seconds. Or maybe even the thought of an inversion just seems scary and completely unattainable in your lifetime. I have thought these same things and felt all of the emotions. Yes, inversions can be a big mind trip and a perfect opportunity to look at our own tendencies toward approaching something new or difficult.


So the question remains...why should I practice daily inversions anyway?

  • First, the physical benefits will impact you not just on a physical level, but also emotionally. Being upside down will improve your brain function, balance hormones and release endorphins. Giving you the gift of a good mood!

  • Second, they will help decrease stress and anxiety. Turning yourself upside down, like in a forward fold encourages the entire nervous system to calm down and balance out the "fight or flight" response. You may at first feel a little moment of panic, but after 5 or so breaths you will feel the calm flood your entire system.

  • Third, inversions help to improve circulation of blood and lymph. This, my dear friends, is a boost to your immune system and helps keep a strong metabolism. Did you know the pituitary gland in your head regulates and controls the function of the endocrine system, which controls glands that regulate metabolism and body composition?



Try these next two inversions right now and start bettering your mind and body today!

Bridge Pose-with a block

  1. Lie down on your back and place your feet on the ground, knees over ankles.

  2. Lift your hips up to make a bridge, then slide the block underneath so that it lines up with the top of your pelvis, just under your sacrum. The block can be either on its middle or lowest height.

  3. Lower your hips onto the block and rest your hands at your sides with palms facing up.
    Adjust your shoulders to find a comfortable resting position and tilt your chin slightly up to increase airflow and ease of breathing.

  4. Take 10 deep breaths and focus on relaxing into the posture.



Downward Facing Dog Pose

  1. Start at the table top, with your hands underneath the shoulders and the knees underneath the hips.

  2. Curl your toes under and push your hips back and up. pressing  through your hands to lift your hips high. Knees can be bent and heels lifted...don't stress that. We are practicing being upside down.

  3. Spread your fingers and press down from the forearms into the fingertips.

  4. Outwardly rotate your upper arms to broaden the collarbones.

  5. Let your head hang and move your shoulder blades away from your ears towards your hips. Broadening across the upper back.

  6. Engage your quads to take the burden of your body's weight off your arms. This action goes a long way toward making this a resting pose.

  7. Rotate your thighs inward, keep your tail high, pressing through the arms.

  8. Take 10 deep breaths and focus on relaxing into the posture.


Always listen to your body and do what feels appropriate as you move into these inversions. This might mean simply holding inversions for shorter periods of time — you are the ultimate judge.